One of them is Flora M'mbone. A tattoo artist based in Nairobi. She let us in on her ink business and what it's like being a woman in the business
KB: I bet you grew up doodling and drawing a lot. Right?
Flora: Yes, I started drawing when I was in primary school. My cousin who was in uni then and studying architecture inspired me to draw and gave me my first drawing book which I have to this date.
KB: Did this create a trajectory for your tattoo business?
Flora: It did! My love for drawing over the years led me to experiment with a couple of visual art forms and eventually starting a tattoo business
KB: Kenya is a conservative society. What do people think about you as a woman being in this kind of creative space?
Flora: I've been called "kafiri" (infidel) by some people for not only having tattoos but also for being a tattoo artist. It's crazy! But on the flipside, I've also met people who are awed by my work and many women have been inspired by my presence in a largely male dominated industry.
KB: How did you learn how to tattoo? Is there such a thing as tattoo school in Kenya?
Flora: I really wish there was one. It would have made things so much easier for me. I get many enquiries from young people interested in becoming tattoo artists to refer them to a place where they can learn the craft. I may be the first to open a school here in Kenya 🙂
KB: When did you first use human skin as a canvas? Did you first have to draw a rough sketch on something?
Flora: Back in 2020, a friend of mine was kind and brave enough to let me give them a tattoo and my experiment turned out pretty great! And yes, I have to draw a sketch first on paper then skin before I can go over it with the ink.
KB: What's a typical day at your startup look like?
Flora: Like any other business there are days that get really busy and there are days when bookings are scarce. On a typical day, I meet with a client, discuss a design concept and get to work.
KB: Can you break down the process of tattooing a client from start to finish?
Flora: After we settle on a design with the client, the first step is to map out the design on a stencil paper, prep the skin by cleaning it, then transfer the mapped out sketch onto the skin. Then I can start the tattoo process. Note that hygiene is very important even after the tattoo is done to prevent infections.
KB: How do you go about deciding how to charge clients seeing how simple or intricate some designs can be?
Flora: Charges depend on the design and size. I charge from Ksh 1000 bob for small tattoos and piercings.
KB: Show us your proudest work
Flora: It's hard to choose but here are some of them
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
KB: Advice to someone getting a tat for the first time ever?
Flora: It's never a good idea to get your partner's name inked on your body. I've seen enough to know what I'm talking about. Also, don't get a tattoo just because you think it's cool. Make sure to do your research before settling on a tattoo artist. Have a look at their work first then proceed because different artists have different styles.
KB: What are some of your highs and lows in this business?
Flora: The high is that you can make your month's rent in one day if business is good. I always appreciate when my clients leave happy and are satisfied with my work. That's always a confidence booster. The lows are definitely when the business is struggling.
KB: Tell us your funniest anecdote since you started this business
Flora: There've been many but the most recent is a client who asked me to tattoo the back of their bald head! They kept insisting on it and I was shocked. Turns out they were just pulling my leg and we laughed about it later.
KB: Would you like to do this forever and what are your expansion plans?
Flora: Yes I'd like this to be my main source of income. My expansion plans are to make a name for myself, open a bigger studio and be able to offer other artists job opportunities and guidance in the same.
See Flora's Tattoo art on Instagram @inkedby_eseri HERE
For inquiries call 0706177082
